3.7 hazardous materials and hazardous waste - Missile Defense ...

Chapter 3—Affected EnvironmentThe Pierre Aquifer consists of shale, marlstone, and claystone, and isfound throughout much of the deployment area. Recharge occursthroughout much of the deployment area from precipitation, snowmelt,and prairie potholes. This aquifer is used by some farms andmunicipalities, but is not a major groundwater source in the region (U.S.Department of the Air Force, 1999—Final EIS, Minuteman III MissileSystem Dismantlement).Water QualityGroundwater and surface water vary in quality depending upon thegeology, topography, water usage, and quantity of flow. Calciummagnesium bicarbonate is the prevalent dissolved constituent of concernin the ROI. High concentrations of sodium and magnesium are also foundin the local area aquifers. Surface water quality is judged by rate of flow.Low flow rates usually result in higher dissolved mineral concentrationsbecause of the longer exposure time to leachable minerals. Most streamsin the area have a dissolved solids concentration of less than 500milligrams per liter at high flow rates. These levels are consideredacceptable for domestic use. Surface water salinity concentrations aretypically too high during periods of low flow to be considered acceptablefor possible potable domestic use (North Dakota Geological Survey,1973—Mineral and Water Resources of North Dakota; U.S. Department ofthe Air Force, 1997—Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan).According to the National Water Quality Report, North Dakota reports that78 percent of its surveyed river and streams have good water quality.The major sources of contaminated waters are agriculture, the removal ofstream side vegetation, which increases siltation, and municipal sewagetreatment plants. Natural conditions, such as low flows, also contribute toviolations of standards. Good water quality is found in 95 percent of thelakes surveyed. The leading sources of pollution in lakes are agriculturalactivities, municipal sewage treatment, and urban runoff/storm sewers.The Turtle River near Grand Forks AFB has a Class II stream designationfrom the North Dakota Department of Health, which means that it maybe intermittent, but when flowing, it meets the chemical, physical, andbacteriologic requirements for municipal use. The designation alsoindicates that the river’s water is of sufficient quality to use for irrigation,propagation of resident fish species, swimming, and other water-basedrecreation (U.S. Department of the Air Force, 1997—Integrated NaturalResources Management Plan).3.14.2.3 Missile Site Radar—Water ResourcesThis section describes the water resources and water quality of the MissileSite Radar complex. The water resources ROI includes all waterways,potential drainage areas, still waters, and shallow and deep aquifers thatcould be affected by construction or operations (figure 3.14-8).NMD Deployment Final EIS 3-413